Farges's paulownia (Paulownia fargesii)

Farges' paulownia
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Paulownia fargesii (Farges' Paulownia) - Characteristics and Habitat

Reaching majestic heights in the mountain forests of China and Vietnam, this deciduous tree stands out for its rapid growth and spectacular spring flowering.

The species grows at elevations between 1200 and 3000 meters above sea level. It plays a significant ecological role in its native habitats and is cultivated for its lightweight wood.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ asterids
  • ∟ order Lamiales
  • ∟ family Paulowniaceae (Paulownia family)
  • ∟ genus Paulownia (Empress tree)
  • ∟ species Paulownia fargesii (Farges's paulownia)

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Morphology

Paulownia fargesii is a deciduous tree growing up to 20 meters tall, featuring a conical crown and purplish-brown to brownish-gray shoots dotted with prominent lenticels.

Key morphological features include:

  • Leaves: Large ovate to ovate-cordate blades up to 20 cm or more in length, supported by petioles up to 11 cm long. The leaf underside is moderately pubescent to nearly glabrous.
  • Inflorescences: Broadly conical panicles reaching up to 1 meter in length, carrying clusters of flowers.
  • Flowers: Campanulate blossoms measuring 5.5 to 7.5 cm in length, colored white with purple streaks or entirely violet.
  • Fruits and Seeds: Elliptic to ovate-elliptic capsules about 3 to 4 cm long, containing oblong winged seeds.

Flowering season

April to May

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Applications

This tree is highly valued for its lightweight yet sturdy timber, which is used in manufacturing and construction. Additionally, its rapid growth makes it an excellent candidate for reforestation projects and soil stabilization in mountainous regions.

Interesting facts

This species is named in honor of Paul Guillaume Farges, a French missionary and plant collector who gathered numerous botanical specimens in China during the late 19th century.

It is capable of thriving at high elevations, with some wild populations recorded at altitudes up to 3000 meters.

Geography of distribution

  • Guizhou
  • Hubei
  • Hunan
  • Sichuan
  • Yunnan
  • Vietnam

Sources

  • Kew Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Tropicos, Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Princess tree

Princess tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Paulownia tomentosa, known as the empress tree, is an exceptionally fast-growing deciduous tree famous for …

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Elongate paulownia

Elongate paulownia

Paulownia elongata

A remarkably fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asia, cultivated for its lightweight timber, biomass …

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